General Studies

concentration in music

If you love music and dream of a career in the industry, but also have a range of other interests you'd like to pursue, a bachelor of arts in music is the degree for you. You’ll learn the fundamentals to develop your own instrument or voice, music theory, literature, and history, while also taking full advantage of courses in other disciplines to enhance your music education. You’ll be prepared for graduate school or careers that range from producing to marketing to directing a music program at a nonprofit organization.

Why North Park?

With a strong reputation and a dedicated faculty, the School of Music at North Park University offers you an excellent education in the fundamentals and personal attention and mentoring to help you reach your own goals academically and professionally. You’ll find support for your musical development in the close-knit community of faculty and students, have the option to join a variety of ensembles, and be able to take advantage of Chicago’s vibrant music scene.

Careers In Music

Professional musician

Private music teacher

Symphony house manager

Studio arranger

Music retailer

Music librarian

Music therapist (with additional study)

Piano tuner

Church musician

Collaborative pianist (accompanist)

Orchestra contractor/personnel manager

Piano tuner (with additional study)

Alumni Success

Alum Marta Johnson C’98 earned her BA in music with a focus in piano and has made a career as a pianist, coach, and conductor. She has worked for the Lyric Opera of Chicago/OperaKids Program, Light Opera Works, Emerald City Theater, and Chicago Opera Theater for Teens. Marta went on to earn a master of music in collaborative arts from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

As a member of one of North Park’s signature ensembles you’ll perform throughout the year on- and off-campus. Special annual events feature the Festival of Lessons and Carols, Chamber Music Showcase Competition, and Opera/Oratorio.

Of the School of Music, Dr. Terree Shofner-Emrich says, “We are a faculty of professionals who love to teaching. Most of us have active performing lives in Chicago and can bring that experience into the classroom.”

The School of Music's new eight-semester-hour undergraduate certificate program is available to all music majors. Learn to teach young students how to play stringed instruments in an orchestra setting, using El Sistema-inspired techniques.